From: Interfaith Working Group
Subject: IWG Denver Lou Sheldon/Fred Phelps letter
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 22:58:59 -0400 (EDT)
April 12, 1999
Rocky Mountain News
400 W. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
Dear Editors:
One might think, from reading your April 6 article
about Russell Henderson's trial, that the Traditional
Values Coalition had a strong interest in religious
inclusion of lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals. To
describe the Rev. Fred Phelps as an "anti-gay pastor"
without applying the same label to the Rev. Lou
Sheldon in the same sentence was neither fair nor
accurate. The differences of opinion expressed by
Rev. Sheldon were purely theological. The Traditional
Values Coalition and Westboro Baptist Church differ in
belief and practice, but they share many of the same
opinions about public policy and equal rights for
sexual minorities. We sincerely doubt that Rev.
Sheldon would want to be labeled "pro-gay." And by
making it appear that he is, you do a great disservice
to religious bodies that really do both openly and
fully welcome sexual minorities and work for their
civil rights.
Sincerely,
Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom
Interfaith Working Group Coordinators
The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and
organizations and 61 clergy from 15 religious traditions. If you are in
the general Philadelphia area and represent a congregation or religious
organization or are clergy, let us know if you want to be added - all faiths
are welcome. We will also be happy to help start similar organizations in
other areas.
--
Interfaith Working Group Religious organizations, congregations
http://www.libertynet.org/iwg and clergy supporting gay rights,
iwg@libertynet.org reproductive freedom, and the
voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 232-0829 separation of church and state.
Sunday May 16, 1999 5pm. Marching In the Light: IWG Benefit Concert. Old
First Reformed Church. 4th and Race, Philadelphia, PA. See the web page.